In .375 H&H

(not! the new .375 Ruger)

CZ550 vs. Ruger's M77 MII RSM

Opinions please. Which would those with much DG experience prefer?

Stong and weak points of each?
CZ and Ruger both have great reputations.

Has anyone owned, or possibly fired both of these rifles??

Any information would be appreciated.

Both are decent over the counter factory rifles but I see more customizing being done to the CZ 550 than the Ruger. However, each person may want to consider having something done to suit their personal needs. Some will pay $3,500 and up for a custom made rifle, but if your looking to save a lot of money, the CZ would be the first choice. You can pick one up for a very reasonable price. I like the CZ's fine, but am partial to the Ruger because I've owned them for a long time. Never had any problems, and mine have been extremely accurate.
LDK

From what I've read, the CZ's take a little more work, but are cheaper so it's probably a wash from a dollar perspective. I think Ruger makes great guns, but their M77s just don't seem to fit me. Here's my CZ 550 in 375 H&H after some work by Ed Plummer and Wayne at AHR ..





It shoots one ragged hole groups and fits me. I'm very happy with it now ...



Chuck

quote:

Originally posted by chuck375:
From what I've read, the CZ's take a little more work, but are cheaper so it's probably a wash from a dollar perspective. I think Ruger makes great guns, but their M77s just don't seem to fit me. Here's my CZ 550 in 375 H&H after some work by Ed Plummer and Wayne at AHR ..

Specifically what did AHR do?
What did it cost?

I gave my CZ 550 .375 to my PH and never want to see another again. I didn't not like the trigger and just flat lost confidence in it although it shot fine and caused me no significant problems. Just got hinky about it.

Jeff

I own a Ruger safari 375HH

I used in Namibia two months ago. One fine gun, shot very well. It is a bit heavy compared to a CZ
I am partial to the Rugers -dependable and reasonable cost. Neither CZ or Rugers are expensive guns nor is their enough difference in cost to be a significant factor in your decision.

my advice is the same as most others---shoot them both and buy the one that fits you best.

better yet, buy both because you can never have to many !!

I haven't fired the CZ at all. They are, from all accounts, fine rifles that need a little polishing. I do own a Ruger RSM in 416 that I do love. I did have some "polishing" done to it, but that's all my rifles. I had the action slicked up and checked for feed and function, the stock bedded and an extra recoil lug installed, a fiber optic sight up front and a red decelerator installed. Also had the line in the rear sight filled with white.

The only downside I see to the Ruger is the weight. The action is really too big for a 375 and many argue it is too big and heavy for a 416 or 458. On the later two I'll have to disagree. I wouldn't own a 8.5lb. 416 or 458. But that's just my opinion. But, it is arguably heavy for the 375. The only thing I'd really change about my 416 would be a bit more trim stock. Otherwise I think it's as good as it can get for the price tag.

That said, do yourself a favor and find a Win. M70 Super Express or Safari Express at a reasonable price, by that I feel anything under $1500 right now. Have it slicked up by a good 'smith and go hunting. The M70 is about a pound lighter than the Ruger and the stock is much more slim and handles much better to me. You'll spend about the same money to have equivalent rifles in either case. Incidentally my M70 started life as a Super and had more extensive work performed upon it. There are pictures from a couple months ago on the Big Bore Forum with more info. on mine.

As an aside, Roger Ferrell has done and will do all my rifle work from now on. I've been totally impressed, not just with his work, but with his character. He is a very pleasant man to do business with.

David Walker

I have the CZ, i sent it to R W Hart and had them lap the inside of the barrel, installed Brockman laminate stock. The gun will shoot sub 1/2" groups with North Fork softs, solids and cup point solids with 71 gr rx 15 fed 215 $ win. cases. would not trade or sell it. I am also hording my north forks.

After you fire 100 to 150 rounds through it, the action will be very smooth.

I don't see much difference, and would suggest you buy the one that feels best in your hands. I have a CZ with a laminated stock that I love. I had it bedded and a cross bolt put in. The action I smoothed up myself simply by cycling the action while watching a couple of periods of hockey. People who handle it tend to want to buy it.

Dean

I agree that Ruger RSM in .375 is too heavy, however in .416 it is OK. My .416 is almost 11 lbs with scope.

AHR for their CZ #1 upgrade, replaces the safety with a 3 position M70 type safety, installs a non-set match type trigger and straightens and fills the bolt for $500. They also re-glassbedded my action and added a second recoil lug and replaced the CZ rear sight with an NECG Masterpiece rear sight at additional cost. I was very happy with their work and highly recommend them.

Chuck

What one needs is a quality barrel,an action that feeds all the time,a strong trigger,and good sights to make up a rifle that is good enough to be someones only rifle for a lifetime,on the condition that its owner has the necessary experience.The Ruger will do.The CZ needs a new barrel and extensive feeding work and a better trigger.

Go with the Ruger or some other well made gun. I would avoid the CZ. Why buy a Chevy that needs an engine overhaul before you drive it? I have handled several and have yet to see one I would take to the range let alone to the field without an overhaul - trigger, fit, bedding, bolt smoothness...

I guess I got lucky. My CZ, let me see what did I do to it? Oh, yeah, I zeroed it, shot 200 rounds through it in practice and left for a plains game hunt two weeks later. Came back went on an elk hunt, then two years later, back to RSA and Zimbabwe for another hunt. Now it's getting ready for another elk and bison hunt. Well over 1000 rounds without a problem.

I think this questions fall into Ford v. Chevy discussions.

Thanks everyone for the input.

I purchased the Ruger. It seemed to "fit" a good bit better than the CZ in 375. My CZ550 in .270 Win. "fits" well, but in .375H&H, the CZ seemed "big and wide" and a bit cumbersome in my hands.

Ruger uses great wood for the RSM. The stock is very attractive. It feeds great in my non-expert opinion, as fast as I can work the rounds through the chamber.

I plan on having a good smith go over the Ruger before I fire it. (sights, etc,) I know nothing about .375H&H, but will soon learn.

Any suggestions, or advice on Ruger RSM .375H&H would be greatly appreciated.

Africa awaits,..

I have both rifles: CZ550 in 416 Rigby and the other one: Ruger in 458 lott, the Ruger is better equiped (nut safety, barrel band, rib, included mount and rings,crossbolt) and better finish, but both need the gunsmith touch regarding control feed, stock beeding and trigger.
Try both from a friend and choose the best for You, Regards Guille.